Horror as swans remains found near Moorhen in Harlow

ESSEX Police are working with colleagues from Harlow Council and the RSPCA to identify the person responsible for killing a swan and leaving its butchered remains along a tow path in Harlow.

At 1.30pm on Saturday 2nd May a member of Harlow Safer Partnership Team discovered the remains along a tow path next to the river Stort towards Moorhen. It had been left in public view in an area frequented by families.

Insp Paul Maleary of Essex Police said: “This is a very disturbing occurrence and it is an offence for any person to kill a swan. There have been a number of high profile cases where members of the public have been convicted for offences against the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Swans are the property of the Crown and are a protected species.”

Anyone with any information in relation to this or any similar incidents are asked to contact Essex Police on 101. They can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.